Espanyol and Celta Share Points in Tense Encounter

omidbasir- Espanyol managed to secure a draw in their match against Celta Vigo.

Despite coming close to victory with Dolan’s goal in the 88th minute, the Pericos were unable to clinch the win. After overcoming an initial goal from Jutglà with efforts from Kike García and Dolan late in the match, they saw Borja Iglesias equalize for Celta in stoppage time. Post-match, coach Manolo González addressed the media, expressing self-criticism regarding the team’s performance but also acknowledging that a point could be beneficial moving forward.

Regarding the match’s outcome, González stated, “The feelings are more positive than negative. We didn’t perform well in the first half, but we reacted in the second with the substitutions. I’m pleased with our comeback, which is a confidence booster. We started strong in the first 20 minutes, but errors crept in, allowing Celta to capitalize on our mistakes, including their goal. The anxiety to push forward led to these mistakes. In the second half, the team improved with the changes. We need to reclaim the defensive solidity we previously had. It’s encouraging that we bounced back from a series of losses against a well-organized opponent.”

On the celebration of the second goal and the effectiveness of the substitutions, he added, “I asked the fans for their support at the end because it’s evident when confidence is lacking. We are going through a tough time, and I take losses hard. The frustration subsides when you manage to turn around a challenging match. The substitutions were effective; it’s ultimately the players who determine the success of these changes.”

Addressing the team’s anxiety to secure a win, he remarked, “It’s a common aspect of life. When you possess the confidence we used to have, mistakes are less punishing. We need to regain our composure and identity. To win, we must execute many things correctly, which we are currently failing to do. Today’s match reminded me of the Sevilla game. There were moments that helped us in the past, allowing us to reach sixth place, and we need to get back to that mentality. If we think we are invincible and can dominate the opponent with the ball, we are mistaken.”

On whether the draw was a positive result, he confirmed, “Absolutely, and we should have had similar outcomes against Girona or Alavés. The morale is markedly different when you draw versus losing. We need to tighten our defense. The draw isn’t detrimental, but the 0-1 situation could have severely punished us.”

González expressed concern over the team’s current sensations, saying, “I am worried about how we are feeling. The game is no longer just about ball possession. In the first half of the season, we were attacking well, but now we lack strength in our approach. To regain our positive sensations, we need to focus on solid defending.”

He addressed the excess eagerness exhibited by some players, stating, “It’s not about a lack of desire, but anxiety can lead to making unwise decisions. It’s not about effort alone but about structure and order. That’s where I must step in and help restore that balance.”

When asked if the last thirty minutes could be seen as a turning point, he replied, “No, it’s not enough. We won’t become the Netherlands of Cruyff or Brazil of the 70s, but we were a competitive team throughout 2025. Winning or losing comes afterward; we need to return to that competitive spirit.”

Finally, he noted that the locker room has been strengthened by the experience, saying, “I believe some players have grown. If the match ends 0-2 without a reaction, that is indeed concerning. However, we did react, and in that respect, we emerge strengthened. We have recognized aspects we once executed very well and must now remember to implement them.”